Fort Worth is home to a rich, enticing blend of cultures. Deep-rooted cowboy grit, vast green spaces, and some of the country's most impressive museums and arts venues all combine to give Cowtown a wholly interesting look and feel. Texas’ fifth-largest city is one of the state’s most iconic destinations, and travelers would do well not to overlook it in favor of more glammed-up cities like Dallas or Austin. Classy yet unpretentious, charming yet laid-back, Fort Worth is infused with Wild West spirit and an urban allure that's bound to win you over. And, each of the city’s neighborhoods is a pocket of Fort Worth history just waiting to be discovered.

01of 07

Downtown

Pulsing with energy, Downtown Fort Worth is teeming with art, entertainment, and top-notch restaurants. At the heart of it all is Sundance Square, the perfect place to dine, shop, and sip coffee or cocktails under the giant umbrellas. Stroll around and marvel at the renovated turn-of-the-century buildings, anchored by Bass Performance Hall on one side and the historic Tarrant County Courthouse on the other.

Aside from doing your fair share of eating and drinking, be sure to explore the JFK Tribute in General Worth Square and the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a stunning modernist landscape of pools, fountains, and terraced steps.

For a fun way to get around, hop on board Molly the Trolley, an old school-style trolley that travels from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square, seven days a week.

02of 07

Cultural District

TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer

Located just a few miles west of downtown, the Cultural District is where you’ll find the city’s treasure trove of world-class museums and performing arts venues. In a single, park-like setting, you can explore hundreds of years’ worth of art via the Kimbell (which is easily one of the best small museums in the country), the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (where you'll find Rothkos, Warhols, and Pollocks galore), and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

Pro tip: Pick up a bike at one of the many B-Cycle bike-sharing stations in the district for an easy and fun way to get around—and to see as much art as possible. If you're itching for your nature fix, you can go biking or hiking along the pretty Trinity River or wander around the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, which are the oldest botanic gardens in Texas.

03of 07

West 7th

Courtesy of Mash'd

There’s a lot going on in this pedestrian-friendly, five-block urban village, which bridges the Cultural District and downtown. Namely, this is where you’ll find some of the hottest restaurants in the city.

Fireside Pies serves up excellent artisanal pizzas, while Mash'd specializes in moonshine and delectable American fare. Go for brunch and get the French toast, which consists of caramel moonshine-battered bread griddle-seared with cream cheese-butter (please and thank you).

04of 07

Texas Christian University (TCU)

Moment Editorial/Getty Images / Getty Images

Youthful, green, buzzing, and vibrant, the TCU campus is home to the newly expanded Amon G. Carter Stadium, where the city’s beloved Horned Frogs play. While you’re touring around campus—and navigating your way through a sea of purple T-shirted coeds—pop into The University Pub (or “The Pub,” as it’s known around these parts) for snacks and drinks. If you’re dining out, be sure to do so on the patio at Woodshed Smokehouse, where bands serenade diners almost every night and you can enjoy the scenic views overlooking the Trinity.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05of 07

Camp Bowie District

Renamed after a nearby World War I military training camp, Camp Bowie Boulevard is now known for its plethora of cute boutiques and cozy eateries set along leafy, tree-lined streets. Check out the landmark Ridglea Theater, which was built in 1947 and is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places (the theater’s eye-catching Spanish-Mediterranean architecture is a sight to see). As far as food goes, Kincaid’s Hamburgers, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Meat Board, and Tokyo Cafe are all hometown favorites.

06of 07

North Side

stevecoleimages / Getty Images

This is where you’ll find the Stockyards National Historic District, along with a collection of touristy Texas-centric shops if that’s your thing. You can’t come to Cowtown without paying a visit to the Stockyards, of course; it’s one of the most popular attractions in Texas. This historic cattle district is steeped in cowboy history, and there’s plenty to do here to keep you occupied for days on end, from restaurants and shops to saloons and live music.

Fairmount

Courtesy of HopFusion Ale Works

Known as the largest historic neighborhood in the Southwest, Fairmount has a bevy of towering, historic homes; it’s fun to simply stroll around, soak up the unique character of the area, and gape at all the cool houses. West Magnolia Avenue is cluttered with cool coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants, like Craftwork Coffee Co. and Cane Rosso. This is also where you’ll find HopFusion Ale Works, one of the city’s most beloved breweries.

Pro tip: This area is even more fun to explore by bike! The B-Cycle program has five different locations in the area.